About Us
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Elisa Ricci
President
I’ve been passionate about animal care and training for over a decade. My career began with a deep love for animals, which led me to pursue formal education in animal care and dog obedience training. I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of animals and clients, growing my expertise in training, care, and behavioral techniques. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to not only improving the lives of pets but also enriching the bond between pets and their owners. From fostering dogs to volunteering with rescue organizations, I find great fulfillment in helping animals thrive, and I’m always eager to learn new methods and approaches to animal care.
Credentials
I began my journey in animal care by completing the Animal Care Certificate Program (also known as the Vet Assistant Program) at Sheridan College in 2009/2010, where I graduated with high honors and earned an Ontario College Certificate. In 2010, I furthered my expertise by completing the Dog Obedience Trainer Certification through a large corporate program, where my work was overseen and evaluated for several years. I continued working with this company for over a decade—five years in Ontario and another six in Kelowna—where I played a pivotal role in growing the business, regularly training between 50 and 80 new clients every six weeks.
In 2019, I attended a four-day training conference in Portland, Oregon, organized by the American Association of Professional Pet Trainers. This event exposed me to a variety of innovative techniques and methods from trainers around the world, expanding my skill set and knowledge base.
My efforts have been recognized locally, as I received the Best of Kelowna Gold award in 2019 and the Silver award in 2020. Additionally, I am an active member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), a professional organization that supports individual trainers in their continued development.
Volunteering has also been a vital part of my career. Over the years, I’ve contributed to organizations such as the SPCA Ontario (2004), the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (2011-2013), the African Dawn Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa (2010), the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary in Costa Rica (2023), and El Refugio Costa Ballena Animal Rescue in Costa Rica (2023). I currently volunteer, foster, and work as a hired trainer with Paws it Forward Dog Rescue in Kelowna.